Amrita Rajdurai Chapter 1: What Is Biotechnology

What is the definition of biotechnology

Biotechnology is the use of living organisms, cells, or biological systems to develop products and technologies that improve human life and the environment. It encompasses a wide range of applications, including medicine, agriculture, and environmental management.

What are three traditional biotechnology products?

Cheese, bread, and beer

What are two examples of modern biotechnology products

genetically modified organisms (GMOs), biopharmaceuticals

When did the modern biotechnology industry begin?

The modern biotechnology industry began in the late 20th century, particularly around the 1970s with advancements in genetic engineering and molecular biology.

When did early humans begin selectively breeding livestock

around 8000 BCE

When was wine first invented?

Early evidence suggests that wine production began around 6000 BC in regions such as Georgia and Iran.

Who developed brewing and cheesemaking? When?

Developed by early humans around 6000 BC to 4000 BC, brewing and cheesemaking are among the earliest forms of biotechnology.

What was the first antibiotic used? Which culture? When?

Penicillin, discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928, was the first antibiotic used, and its use became widespread in the mid-20th century.

Who developed the first smallpox vaccine? When?

Edward Jenner in 1796

Who discovered proteins?

Proteins were first discovered by Johan Wolfgang Döbereiner in the early 19th century, notably around 1838. His work laid the foundation for understanding protein structure and function.

When was the Origin of Species published?

The Origin of Species was published by Charles Darwin in 1859, laying the foundation for evolutionary biology.

When was pasteurization first developed?

In the 1860s by Louis Pasteur.

When did Mendel establish the principles of genetics?

Mendel established the principles of genetics in 1866, through his experiments with pea plants, which provided the basis for the laws of inheritance.

Who developed the first rabies vaccine? What year?

Louis Pasteur developed the first rabies vaccine in 1885.

When did the term “biotechnology” first appear in print?

The term "biotechnology" first appeared in print in 1919, coined by Hungarian engineer Károly Ereky.

Who discovered penicillin? What year?

Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928.

WHo discovered DNA as the carrier of genetics information?

James Watson and Francis Crick identified that DNA is the carrier of genetic information in 1953, building upon prior knowledge of the structure of DNA.

When was the double-helix structure of DNA discovered?

The double-helix structure of DNA was discovered in 1953 by James Watson and Francis Crick, based on the X-ray diffraction images taken by Rosalind Franklin.

When was mRNA discovered?

mRNA was discovered in the early 1960s, particularly through the work of scientists like François Jacob and Jacques Monod, who demonstrated its role in protein synthesis.

When was the gene first completely synthesized?

1971

When was recombinant insulin produced? By which company?

1973

When was fingerprinting first used?

1984

When were the first genetically modified tobacco plants grown?

1986

When was the Human Genome project first launched?

1990

What was the first cloned mammal? What year?

1997

When was golden rice developed?

1999

When was the Human Genome Project completed?

2003

What was the first HPV vaccine approved?

2003

When was the first self-replicating bacterial cell created?

2010

When was CRISPR-CAS9 used for gene editing?

2012

When were mRNA vaccines first used?

2021

What are the different sectors in biotechnology

research, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing

What are the key techniques in biotechnology

molecular biology, cell biology, cell biology, genetic engineering

What is the ethical consideration around biotechnology

equity, safety, long term impact

What are the tools in biotechnology?

whole cells, DNA, RNA, proteins

What are two of the key instruments in biotechnology

spectrometers and PCR machines

What is chromatography

sorting

What is gene transfer

process of moving genetic material

What is protein purification?

process that isolates a single, target protein

What is spectrophotometer

apparatus for measuring the intensity of light in a part of the spectrum

What is PCR

a laboratory technique for rapidly producing (amplifying) millions to billions of copies of a specific segment of DNA

What are the key concepts behind using biotechnology in national defense

improving people's quality of life

Which company was the founding biotechnology company? What was their first product?

cheese

What is the difference between biotech and pharmaceutical industries?

biotech focuses on products derived from living organisms using techniques like genetic engineering

Who are the key users of biotechnology?

Doctors, farmers, researchers, industries, and governments.

What is genomics

Genomics is the study of an organism’s entire set of genes (genome) and how they interact.

What is proteomics

Proteomics is the study of all the proteins in a cell, tissue, or organism, including their structures and functions.

What is precision medicine?

Precision medicine is healthcare tailored to an individual’s genes, lifestyle, and environment.

What happens during the drug discovery phase of drug development

In the drug discovery phase, scientists identify potential drug targets, design and screen compounds, and test them in labs to find candidates that could safely and effectively treat a disease.

What happens during phase I clinical trials

In Phase I clinical trials, a new drug is tested on a small group of healthy volunteers (or sometimes patients) to evaluate its safety, dosage range, and side effects.

What happens during phase II clinical trials?

In Phase II clinical trials, the drug is tested on a larger group of patients to assess its effectiveness, further evaluate safety, and determine the best dose.

What happens during phase III clinical trials

In Phase III clinical trials, the drug is tested on large groups of patients to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, and compare it to standard treatments before approval.